All citizens should thank the Election Commission for the excellent manner in which it conducted the Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry on April 13. In Tamil Nadu, the Commission stuck to its task and galvanised the State machinery to take prompt and unbiased action to enforce the model code of conduct, and check the flow of money.
That money did flow in many parts of the State despite its best efforts is a pity. But that is an issue political parties and voters should reflect on. It is heartening to note that Tamil Nadu recorded the highest ever voter turnout in this election.
V. Shrikanth,
Chennai
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Thanks to the proactive measures initiated by Praveen Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu, and their implementation by the rest of the staff and the public, the election in the State passed off peacefully. It would be no exaggeration to say that the election was free and fair, marked by near-total orderliness. The remarkable increase in the voter turnout is also attributable to the extra efforts taken by the Election Commission to create awareness among the masses.
K.D. Viswanaathan,
Coimbatore
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The record turnout conveys the clear message that the masses are keen on making their voices heard. The bold steps initiated by the Election Commission deserve praise. If one constitutional body can deliver the goods so effectively, can't we achieve much more if all constitutional bodies are allowed to function independently?
M.J. Ruben,
Chennai
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With the Tamil Nadu electorate fulfilling its duty, the countdown for the formation of the next government has started. The just-concluded Assembly elections once again brought to the fore the cash-for-votes practice, which does not speak well of the maturity of the Tamil Nadu electorate.
The high voter turnout should challenge the parties that unabashedly resort to corrupt and strong-arm electoral practices. All credit to the Election Commission which virtually eliminated the wasteful spending on graffiti and other ostentatious modes of advertisements, and stamped out the free movement of cash meant for illegal expenditures.
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D. Sivasailam,
Tirunelveli
The high voter turnout and incident-free election in almost all parts of Tamil Nadu were something unusual. The peaceful conduct of election became possible only due to the measures adopted by the Election Commission. Most people who did not come out to vote all these years exercised their franchise, reposing unshakeable faith in the Commission.
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R. Nagarajan,
Nagapattinam
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The largest ever turnout in Tamil Nadu was reflective of people's participative mood. The dark patch in the election, however, was the tendency among some to vote for cash. No single party can be blamed for this sad development, although the ruling party had a lion's share in it. All political parties should await the verdict patiently and honour it. As Annadurai said “ Makkal theerppe Magesan theerppu ” (people's verdict is equivalent to god's verdict).
S.R. Badrinarayanan,
Chennai
